BIOL - Biology
BIOL 100
The Biology of Human Reproduction
An introductory lecture course focusing on human reproduction to demonstrate some basic biological principles. The course includes discussion of molecular, cellular, and organismal phenomena related to the development of human biological complexity. Current research in reproductive biology and its impact on the individual and society is considered. Lecture only. Primarily for non-science majors; credit not applicable to the biology major. Units: 6.
Also listed as Gender Studies 180
BIOL 103
Biotechnology and Society
An examination of basic biological principles underlying current biotechnology in the fields of human genetics and genetic engineering. Discussion of methods of basic scientific research, the impact of technology on society, and ethical problems in human and agricultural genetics. Credit not applicable to biology major. Weekly laboratories will introduce basic experimental methodology and procedures. Units: 6.
BIOL 110
Integrative Biology: Principles
An introduction to the unified science of life. Emphasis on the experimental approach, to show the interrelationships of living things by examining their metabolism, growth and development, genetics, behavior, ecology, and evolution. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Permission of the department chair required to register
BIOL 120
Integrative Biology: Autotrophs
An introduction to the development, physiology, and evolution of plants, drawing illustrations from organisms throughout the taxon. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 110; permission of the department chair required to register.
BIOL 140
Integrative Biology: Heterotrophs
An introduction to the biology of animals and arotrophic microbes and protists, including studies of the phylogeny, morphology, physiology, development, behavior, and ecology of representatives of the major phyla. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 110; permission of the department chair required to register
BIOL 191
Directed Study in Biology
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
BIOL 200
Animal Behavior
A lecture and field-study course examining the principles and problems of animal behavior. Subjects include orientation, feeding, locomotion, communication, escape in time and space, biological rhythms, mate choice, and aspects of social behavior, examined from evolutionary, ontogenetic, physiological, ecological, and ethological perspectives. Lecture and laboratory. May be taken separately or as part of the Marine Biology Term. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 210
Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 210
Biodiversity
The influence of climate on global habitats is considered. Selected terrestrial life zones, including neotropic, paleotropic, montane, desert, cold temperate, and warm temperate, are analyzed and stresses produced by climate and habitat evaluated. Adaptive responses at the morphological and physiological levels are investigated and scientific principles are applied to contemporary ethical issues, including restoration and conservation ecology. Lecture only. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 211
BIOL 212
Origins: Solar System, Earth, Life
This course explores questions of deep origins—of the Solar System, Earth, and Life—and how these can be addressed through the methods of physics, geology, and biology. Topics considered include stellar evolution, planetary formation, the origin of the Moon, the differentiation of the Earth, and geological and biological constraints on the nature of the earliest lifeforms. Units: 6.
Also listed as Physics 212, Geology 215
Prerequisite: Introductory course in any two different natural sciences; at least one intermediate course in a natural science; and at least sophomore standing.
BIOL 220
Invertebrate Zoology
A comprehensive introduction to 95 percent of the million or so animal species, those without backbones. Emphasis on the evolution, behavior, and ecology of the major phyla and the role of invertebrates in contemporary research programs. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 221
Entomology
Topics covered will include a survey of all of the clades of insects with information on the systematics, diversity, ecology, life history, behavior and unique characteristics of each lineage. Lecture material will be augmented with required field trips to collect local species (terrestrial and aquatic) and the creation of a personal collection of species following the format as is customary for museum collections. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 110
BIOL 222
Parasitology
Students will examine and compare the complex life cycles of a variety of parasites, including those of medical and veterinary importance. Specific topics covered within the course will include: parasite biochemistry, ecology, parasite evasion of the host immune system, host immune responses, how parasites may alter host behavior. The laboratory component of the course will include both live and preserved specimens. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 230
General Ecology
An introduction to the interactions between organisms and the environment. Lectures and discussions will explore the role of physical, chemical, and biotic processes, including human activities, in determining the structure and function of populations, communities, and ecosystems. Topics will include resource availability, competition, predation, symbiosis, and natural and anthropogenic disturbances such as disease, biological invasions, pollution, and climate change. Lecture only. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 220
BIOL 231
Physiological Ecology
Biological stresses induced by environmental variables are described. Physiological and molecular responses associated with temperature extremes, drought, and nutrient and energy competition are discussed and investigated, using both field and laboratory experience. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 212
Prerequisite: BIOL 110
BIOL 235
Evolutionary Biology
A study of biological evolution, including natural selection, adaptation, the evolution of sex, speciation, extinction, and constraints on evolutionary change. Readings include classic and current literature. Two lectures and one discussion per week. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 213
Prerequisite: BIOL 120, BIOL 140, ANTH 140 or consent of instructor
BIOL 237
General Endocrinology
An examination of the endocrine system, a major regulator of an animal’s development, physiology, and behavior. Attention to both classic techniques and recent developments involving hormones and other chemical mediators such as neurohormones, neurotransmittors, pheromones, and chemical inductors. Lecture only. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 240
Morphogenesis of the Vertebrates
A modified “programmed self-instruction” course providing the materials and guidance necessary to gain an integrated concept of ontogenetic and evolutionary organogenesis. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 241
Cell Physiology
The structure and organization of the eukaryotic cell are described and employed to understand functional interrelationships at the organelle and molecular levels. Major processes considered include external environmental control mechanisms, developmental events, the regulation of energy exchange, and membrane function. Lecture only. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 110
BIOL 242
Comparative Physiology
A comparative study of the variety of solutions and adaptations diverse animals can make to similar problems — obtaining and transporting oxygen, maintaining water and salt balance, utilizing food, movement, and nervous and hormonal integration. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 245
Conservation Biology
This course explores the scientific concepts related to the conservation and restoration of the Earth’s biological diversity. Topics include patterns of species and ecosystem diversity, the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, causes of extinction, assessing extinction risk, behavioral indicators, in-situ and ex-situ management strategies for endangered species, and ecosystem restoration. Lecture only. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 245
Prerequisite: BIOL 110 and one other course in the natural sciences
BIOL 250
The Vegetation of Wisconsin
The principles of plant-environment interrelationships are developed through extensive field study of Wisconsin vegetation. Emphasis is placed on the manner in which physical and biological factors influence competition, adaptation, and structure in major local habitats. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 214
BIOL 260
Genetics
A lecture and laboratory study of the principles of inheritance to sex determination and the concepts of historical and modern eugenics and genetic engineering. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing and BIOL 110 or ANTH 140
BIOL 280
Experimental Design and Analysis
An introduction to the design of sampling programs and experiments in biological studies, as well as methods of data analysis and interpretation. Course highlights the importance of considering possible statistical analyses when planning studies, including the role of descriptive, exploratory, and confirmatory statistics in data analysis and interpretation. Lecture only. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 120 or 140
BIOL 300
Immunology
This course will cover the basic concepts of immunology, including differentiation of immune cells, antibody structure and diversity, antigen-antibody reactions, the major-histocompatibility complex, the complement system, immune responses to pathogens, allergies and auto-immune diseases, and comparative immunology. The course will also examine recent advances in the field through current peer-reviewed publications. The weekly laboratory will examine the basic questions, experimental subjects, and procedures of the field. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 140
BIOL 301
Molecular Systematics
An introduction to the current practices used to estimate evolutionary relationships among organisms using molecular information. Students will learn methods of constructing phylogenetic trees through the reading and in-class discussion of research articles, and practice with data sets and computer software. Units: 3.
Prerequisite: BIOL 120 or 140
BIOL 302
Biology of Mammals
Taxonomy, zoogeography, life history, ecology, anatomy of modern mammals, and their evolution from early pre-mammalian forms. Course format is three lectures per week; lectures will incorporate demonstrations, small group work, and discussions. Optional field trips will be organized throughout the term. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 140 and sophomore standing
BIOL 326
Microbiology
A study of microbial life with an emphasis on prokaryotes. Microbial physiology is examined in the context of how unique characteristics allow microbes to exploit a vast diversity of environments, including the human body. Laboratory exercises introduce students to techniques used to safely study microorganisms. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 110 and CHEM 116 or concurrent enrollment
BIOL 330
Aquatic Ecology
The principles of the ecology of fresh waters, developed through discussions, laboratory, and field investigations of the functional relationships and productivity of biotic communities as they are affected by the dynamics of physical, chemical, and biotic parameters. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 310
Prerequisite: BIOL 120, 140, or 230
BIOL 340
Topics in Neuroscience
A study of the nervous system from the perspectives of psychology, biology,
and/or biological anthropology. Topics vary year to year and may include glial cells, neural development, and the evolution of nervous systems and neurotransmitter systems. Lecture only. May be repeated with consent of instructor.
Units: 6.
Also listed as Psychology 580
Prerequisite: CHEM 116 or 119 and either BIOL 140 and one course in psychology, or PSYC 360 and one course in biology, or consent of instructor
BIOL 345
Terrestrial Field Ecology
A hands-on course intended to demonstrate basic ecological principles using local terrestrial ecosystems. Field research projects will introduce students to methods in hypothesis development, experimental design, data collection, statistical analysis, and scientific writing and presentation. Research topics will include estimating population size, community structure, plant-animal interactions, and foraging behavior. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 345
Prerequisite: BIOL 120 or BIOL 140 and sophomore standing
BIOL 350
Islands and Isolation
This course examines islands and the situation of isolation across the fields of geology, evolutionary biology, and human geography. Topics include island formation, dynamics of isolated natural and human populations, and the historical importance of islands in the study of natural history. The course includes laboratories and field trips. Units: 6.
Also listed as Geology 350, Environmental Studies 350
Prerequisite: Any of the following: ANTH 120, ANTH 140, BIOL 210, BIOL 235, BIOL 245, GEOL 210, GEOL 260 or consent of instructor
BIOL 354
Molecular Biology
An interdisciplinary examination of regulatory mechanisms leading to differential gene expression. Main topics include transcription, translation, gene and protein structure, and modern genomics. The application of current molecular techniques is emphasized throughout the course. Laboratory work is experimental in approach. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: Sophomore standing, BIOL 110, and CHEM 115
BIOL 356
Genomics
An overview of the recently emerged field of bioinformatics. Classes will include lectures and computer practicals. Topics covered will include: genome projects, DNA and protein sequence analysis, multiple sequence alignments, searching biological databases, protein structure prediction, transcriptomes and proteomes, and microarrays. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: One of BIOL 260, BIOL 351, BIOL 354, BIOL 444, or CHEM 340
BIOL 380
Ecological Modeling
An introduction to the process of developing mathematical descriptions of the interactions between components of a population, community, or ecosystem, and the use of computer simulation as a tool for understanding ecology and natural resource management. Topics include population growth, predator-prey and competitor interactions, and mass balance in ecosystems. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 380
Prerequisite: BIOL 230, 245, 330, or 345
BIOL 390
Tutorial Studies in Biology
Individual investigations of problems in biology. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter registration required
BIOL 391
Directed Study in Biology
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
BIOL 399
Independent Study in Biology
Individual, in-depth investigation of a specific biological problem. Students contemplating an honors project should register for this course. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter registration required
BIOL 434
Ecological Energetics
Field and laboratory experimental investigations of the transfer and transformation of energy or energy-containing materials between and within organisms and populations of aquatic ecosystems. Part of the Marine Biology Term. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 410
Prerequisite: BIOL 330, concurrent enrollment in BIOL 505 and 200 and consent of instructor
BIOL 444
Biochemistry I
An introduction to the study of biological processes at the molecular level with emphases on protein struction and function, enzyme mechanism and kinetics, fundamentals of physical biochemistry, and the chemistry of biological molecules, including carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Units: 6.
Also listed as Chemistry 340
Prerequisite: CHEM 250 or concurrent enrollment, or consent of instructor
BIOL 450
Special Topics in Biology
A course designed to offer students an opportunity to study important issues in biology not covered in other regularly offered classes. Activities may include reading and analysis of material from primary literature, consideration of interdisciplinary connections, and field and laboratory activities.
Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 110 and either BIOL 120 or BIOL 140, or consent of instructor
BIOL 453
Developmental Biology
An experimental approach to animal development with laboratory and lecture emphasis on the molecular and cellular level. Includes discussions of pattern formation, differentiation, cell interactions, gametogenesis, fertilization, and early embryogenesis. The course will conclude with an integration of these topics into the context of current ideas of the developmental mechanisms of evolutionary change. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 140; concurrent enrollment in or completion of one of the following: BIOL 241, 444 (or CHEM 340), 351 or 354
BIOL 455
Biochemistry II
A continuation of Biochemistry I. A study of biological processes at the molecular level with an emphasis on metabolic pathways, recent advances in biochemical medicine, and biochemical aspects of gene replication, protein synthesis, molecular motors, and sensing. The course is divided between lecture and discussion and will rely heavily on current biochemical literature. Units: 6.
Also listed as Chemistry 440
Prerequisite: CHEM 340 or consent of instructor
BIOL 460
Advanced Research in Biomolecular Chemistry
A formal introduction to advanced research and techniques in biochemistry. Students will go through the process of developing and independent research project from analyzing scientific literature to conducting experiments. Results and data analysis will be disseminated in the form of oral or written reports. Units: 6.
Also listed as Chemistry 442
Prerequisite: CHEM 340 or BIOL 354, and consent of instructor
BIOL 505
Coral Reef Environments
Examines the ecology of coral reef environments. Lecture, laboratory, and field components. Part of the Marine Biology Term. Lecture and laboratory. Units: 6.
Also listed as Environmental Studies 505
Prerequisite: BIOL 330 and concurrent enrollment in BIOL 200 and BIOL 434
BIOL 510
Modern Concepts of Embryogenesis
A broad-based study of recent advances in the field of developmental biology. Critical review of current literature on genetic, molecular, and functional studies elucidating the underlying mechanisms of embryogenesis. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 241, 444, 351, or 354
BIOL 520
Cancer Biology
An advanced seminar covering key areas of cancer biology, including epidemiology, molecular diagnostics, mechanisms of carcinogenesis, and current treatments. Students will undertake critical review of current literature in these fields and will have input into course content. Units: 6.
Prerequisite: BIOL 241 or BIOL 260 or BIOL 354 or BIOL 444
BIOL 590
Tutorial Studies in Biology
Individual investigations of problems in biology. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter registration required
BIOL 591
Directed Study in Biology
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
BIOL 599
Independent Study in Biology
Individual, in-depth investigation of a specific biological problem. Students contemplating an honors project should register for this course. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter registration required
BIOL 600
Recent Advances in Biology Seminar
A multidisciplinary lecture series on modern biological theory and research. Students attend seminars and prepare short summaries or “reaction papers” on topics covered. Biology faculty members and visiting scientists in biological and allied fields present seminars relating their research to the broader aspects of their disciplines. Topics discussed within any academic year provide a comprehensive exposure to the current frontiers of biological research. May be repeated for a maximum of three units. Units: 1.
Prerequisite: Senior standing and declared major in biology, or consent of instructor
BIOL 690
Tutorial Studies in Biology
Individual investigations of problems in biology. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter registration required
BIOL 691
Directed Study in Biology
Directed study follows a syllabus set primarily by the instructor to meet the needs or interests of an individual student or small group of students. The main goal of directed study is knowledge or skill acquisition, not research or creative work. Units: Variable.
BIOL 699
Independent Study in Biology
Individual, in-depth investigation of a specific biological problem. Students contemplating an honors project should register for this course. Units: Variable.
Prerequisite: Counter registration required